Very High Speed Fiber Optic Data Distribution Network

Very large data base systems are needed to store extensive data such as maps, intelligence data and reconnaisance photos. Recent developments such as optical disc systems are capable of supporting data bases in the petabit (10¹⁵) range. To keep pace with these capabilities and requirements, a very high speed, reliable data distribution system must be developed to provide many users with retrieved bulk data in short response times. An optical network has the potential to distribute the data at operational data rates of 200-500 Mb/s. This paper describes the studies performed to develop such a network along with a description of an operational 00 Mb/s demonstration testbed.